April Is in My Mistress' Face

Thomas Morley was a person one can't help but respect, especially if that one is a musician. In an attempt to make their living by writing music many choose the path of the least resistance and compose what is demanded – needless to say, it usually means simplyfying things much. Morley, over against, had managed to create accessible and genuinely loved compositions – mainly madrigals, – which were distinguished by sophisticated counterpoint – a notable fusion of technique and depth without sacrificing any of them.

Morley's works were created more than five hundred years ago – he was born in 1557 and died in 1602, – but they sound refreshing even today, and I believe this quality is very rare to find. Last but not least, his music is so pacifying it could almost be considered a stress-reliever, and a very effective one at that. Here is Morley's April Is in My Mistress' Face – enjoy!

I Puritani. Ah! Per sempre by Bellini

Just a few hours earlier I had a conversation about role of the melody in music in general and in opera in particular. Many would agree it is hard to underestimate, but let's be honest: anyone seeking for exquisite melodies wouldn't most likely find a plenty in modern music. I remember a quote by Giacomo Puccini where he complained that people don't seek for good melodies in opera anymore and for that reason it is at death's door as a genre. All this discussion made me think about Vincenzo Bellini, an outstanding melodist of the early 19th century, whose works even now do not lose their luster – with his immense gift in composing vocal melodies he somewhat compensates for other composers' inattention. Download one of his arias here: I Puritani. Ah! Per sempre, for Voice and Piano.

Aria 'Dove Io Credea le Mie Speranze Vere'

Talking about rare sheet music, not so long ago particularly hard to find were the scores written by women – there just wasn't a lot of composers among them. Luckily, these days the situation changed, and one of those who we should be thankful for that I believe is Francesca Caccini. Not only she is one of the most highly-regarded female composers, in addition to being that (and also poet, singer, and lutinist), she as well have went down in history as the first woman ever to compose an opera (La liberazione di Ruggiero dall’isola di Alcina). Download one of her amazing arias (for piano and soprano) here: Aria 'Dove Io Credea le Mie Speranze Vere'.

My Country. Vltava by Bedřich Smetana

Comprising six symphonic poems, a set Má vlast by Czech composer Bedřich Smetana is quite interesting by itself: not many composers were working in a very form of symphonic poem – consider it more or less exclusive to its originator, Franz Liszt, – plus it is enriched by beloved to Smetana national Czech motifs. What stands out in this set, to my view, is the second poem – in this amazing composition Smetana did his best describing the course of the river Vltava by the means of music. If I were a flutist, I wouldn't pass by the following score: My Country. Vltava (The Moldau) – Flutes Parts, T.111 – even listening to this melody is an exceptional pleasure, and I'm almost jealous of those who will have a chance to play it! Below is a performance of a poem by Japanese musicians – very beautiful indeed.

J.S. Bach – Little Organ Book, No.40-45, Arrangement for Piano

One of the most important things a musician can do to progress faster is listen to a lot of diverse music and analyze it. Value of this can't be underestimated: if one doesn't limit him- or herself to a certain genre, it sparks both range of view and creativity. Of the same importance is trying different techniques of playing – it too makes one more versatile performer. In this behalf, arrangements may be immensely helpful – when one is playing a piece originally written for a different instrument it is a completely refreshing experience.

As concerns Johann Sebastian Bach's organ works, everything is great about them. However, one wanting to hear them in all their glory usually had to visit a nearby church. Yes, walking is good for health, but what to do with those who have to practice at home and don't have much spare time? Well, they didn't have much choice until August Stradal arranged Bach's Little Organ Book for solo piano. Selected works can be downloaded here: Little Organ Book, No.40-45. Arrangement for Piano, BWV 639-644 – enjoy!

Alte Kameraden by Carl Teike

Carl Teike definitely is a very interesting composer: facts like there were 14 children in his family and that he composed more than 100 marches alone are worth something. To be honest, he almost didn't compose anything but them, and for a right reason – 20 of his dances – a genre new to him, – have been lost over time. It is unknown whether Teike forefelt that or maybe just was wise enough to realise that jack of all trades is master of none – one way or another, his Alte Kameraden is almost the only march that is famous worldwide (popularity of most is limited to the areas of their origin). Download it here: Old Comrades. March.

The Red Sarafan by Alexander Varlamov

It can't be underestimated how important it is for man to find his own place in life nor it can be predicted how great consequent results may be. When a man is really enthusiastic about something he can do much more than the one doing the same out of neccessity or to make a living. Why I'm telling you that? Well, to make it clear how composer Alexander Varlamov managed to create some of the finest and the most authentic folkloric Russian songs – he simply understood at some point that it – and not sacred and secular music that he used to compose as well, – is something he is particularly good at. I can't help but agree with his decision to focus on it foremost – many of Varlamov's works are exemplary Russian folk songs, for instance The Red Sarafan, a lyrical and beautiful composition.

Shine, Shine, My Star

Too often good music can't find its way to the listener, but luckily this isn't always never-ending. Such is the case with Shine, Shine, My Star, a beautiful Russian romance – for the first part of the twentieth century no one but Soviet censorship committee was aware that this piece exists at all! Even though it was composed in 1847, and bears little to no connection to a 1915 – a year the grammophone recording was made, – political situation, this romance was under a ban until 1944.

Now, when everyone can easily find a sheet music of Shine, Shine, My Star, I can't help but celebrate it – it is truly one of the finest Russian folk songs. Download sheet music here: Shine, Shine, My Star, or, if in doubt, watch a video below first – a slide show of illustrations by Isaak Levitan make listening especially rewarding: